Disposable hygienic article and use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an article which provides hygienic protection to an individual when using public toilets. The article in question is foldable and can be conveniently carried by the individual. In addition, the article in question is applied to the individual and not to the toilet seat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hygienic article, in particular, a toilet seat protection article which adheres to the user's skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Public places, such as bus stations, airports, restaurants, movie-houses, and office buildings generally provide facilities, restrooms, water closets or others, used by a large number of people. It is often not practicable, nor is it practiced, to adequately clean the toilet seat between uses. Consequently, such facilities, on the whole, are generally not clean nor are they hygienically sane.

The problems associated with toilet seat sanitation have long been recognized. Toilet seats can be contaminated with human waste, bacteria and/or viruses all of which create various health risks. Elderlies, immunocompromised people, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women and young children are particularly susceptible to toilet germs and bacteria.

The problem of toilet seat sanitation has been addressed several ways. In particular, one approach has been to provide a toilet seat cover that minimizes contact between the toilet seat and a user. Such a cover can take the form of a layer of protective material between the user and the toilet seat. Usually, such covers define an elliptical ring which has an outer dimension like that of the toilet seat and an inner dimension which permits uninterrupted bowel movement and urination.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,963 discloses disposable sanitary seat covers, and methods for making and using the same. U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,328 discloses a toilet seat cover having an affinity for a toilet seat. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,149 discloses a device for covering toilet seats with elastic edges to prevent the same from slipping. The art discloses several other documents in which the fundamental solution to the problem is resolved by providing a cover to the toilet seat.

The current state of the art relies on covering the toilet seat. In some inventions, the cover is merely placed on the seat which results in the cover slipping and losing full coverage of the seat. In other inventions, solutions have been devised to ensure the cover does not slip or move thus providing for a more sanitary alternative. In the current existing state of the art, a cover is usually provided on display and in stock in the facility being used. However, as is the case in many instances, the location runs out of the covers thus adding another level of inconvenience to the user.

In all cases of the current state of the art, none provide for a solution which can be conveniently carried by a person wherever they go, nor does any of the existing cases of the current state of the art provide for a solution which does not involve the person approaching or touching the toilet and/or toilet seat itself to place or position a cover in a useful way.

Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that items place for periods of time in such facilities as restrooms or water closets will become contaminated through various processes such a splashing, touching, etc. In addition to the convenience of always having the article of the present invention at hand and on one's self, the same will be clean and void of any contamination as per the above.

The hygienic article which is the object of this invention overcomes these defects which fail to address the sanitary issue of coming in touch with the toilet and/or toilet seat, thus achieving effective and complete sanitary and hygienic protection, which is in the control of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention provides for an article which is folded and easy to carry on one's person, such as in a purse or a pocket. Furthermore, said article provides a sanitary and hygienic use of public toilets.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a method for cleaner and more hygienic use of public toilets. In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises spreading a protective sheet of flexible material on the parts of the body which come in contact with the toilet.

The method further comprises (i) affixing the top of the said hygienic article to the back, preferably to the lower back, (ii) stretching out the folded article to at least the lower level of the hamstrings, and (iii) fixing or holding the lower part to about the level of the hamstrings before sitting on the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, there are disclosed herein a set of figures which are merely representative of the invention and are presented in a simplified manner for easier visualization and implementation.

FIG. 1 shows the hygienic article in its fully unfolded state. The tabs (1) which are used to affix the article to the back of the subject protrude from the base (2) which extends along the back part. The legs (3) extend from the lower part of the base covering each side of the buttocks and legs to the desired length.

FIG. 2 shows how the article tool is positioned with the tabs affixed to the lower back of the subject (4) and the base and legs are unrolled to cover the skin parts which would come in contact with the seat.

FIG. 3 depicts the process of holding down the article against the skin (5) to ensure it remains in position as the subject takes place on the seat (6).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature. Accordingly, this discussion is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, application of the invention, or the uses of the invention.

The present invention provides an article and method for improved toilet hygiene. Certain aspects of the present invention provide for a protective article which contours the parts of the body that come into contact with the surface of a toilet, and more specifically a toilet seat. The present invention provisions for a means to affix the article to the back of a subject, more specifically to the lower back of said subject, and even more specifically, on the outside parts of the back dimples of the said subject.

The means of affixing the said article to the back may be with tabs (1) as shown in FIG. 1. The tabs and their position are merely for illustrative purposes. The number of tabs is at least one tab positioned on the top part as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the tabs may be positioned on the sides of the article, preferably on along the base (2) of FIG. 1. In further embodiments, the at least one or more tab may be hidden on the underpart (i.e. the side towards the body of the subject) of the article and not protruding as shown in FIG. 1.

In another embodiment, the means of affixing said article to the back of the subject is with a strip running along the length or the width or both of the base (2) for providing a secure yet easily removable attachment.

Once affixed as indicated above, the subject stretches the article, thus unpacking it or unfolding it in a length fashion down towards the feet, or at least down to the hamstrings. The subject secures the article around the hamstrings ensuring that it is well positioned and covers any exposed parts prior to taking a seat on the toilet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the article is folded in a manner to fit in the pocket of the user or a purse, thus conveniently handy on a subject's person for use at any time. The folded article is securely packed so as to occupy minimal space and be handy for transportation.

In another embodiment, the folded article is packaged in a box containing at least one, but preferably more than one such article, yet still conveniently carried by a subject for ease of access and use.

The advantages of the two preceding embodiments allow for a subject to be in control of the availability of the article at any time; but more importantly, since it is a well-known fact that absorbent materials, such as paper, which is commonly used in restrooms and water-closets, has the affinity to become contaminated from constant exposure to germs and other due to exposure, the article of the present invention remains hygienically clean and safe up until it is used by the subject.

In one embodiment, the article is made of very thin tissue-like material such as tissue or paper wherein one side is composed of material which has a high affinity to the skin and does not slip, and wherein the other side is made of a material which is non-absorbent and preferably water repellant.

In another embodiment, the article consists of one or more plies applied on top of each other.

The dimensions of the article can vary in size to accommodate different subjects depending on age and physique. The variation in the proposed dimensions of the article is merely for accommodations and convenience to the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, a one-size fits all dimension can be proposed where excess material can easily be torn-out at pre-perforated locations on the article.

In another embodiment of the present invention, is proposed a method for using said article. The hygienic article is available as a folded, pre-packaged item closed tightly with the use of the hypoallergenic tabs. The tabs are pulled out to unpack the article. The said tabs are then affixed on the back of the subject as disclosed herein above. Using both hands, the subject gently unfolds the remainder of the article fitting it closely yet loosely around the skin parts which would come in contact with the toilet and toilet seat. Once stretched out to the needed length, the subject secures the article around the lower part, preferably at the level of the hamstrings, and takes place on the toilet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the material used to manufacture said hygienic article is disposable and recyclable. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the material used to manufacture said article is made of biodegradable and environmentally friendly products. The article may be flushed down the toilet drain or disposed of in a waste basket without concern to the environment or clogging the drain.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the side of the article which is towards the skin is composed of a material which has a higher affinity to clinging to the skin thus limiting the movement of the article as the subject stretches the article and as the subject takes the sitting position.

While this invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A disposable hygienic article for isolating the skin of a subject from a contaminated surface comprising: a. a two-sided article, wherein one side consists of the surface which affixes to said skin of a subject, and the second side consists of the surface which comes in contact with said contaminated surface, and wherein said article extends from said back of said subject, to completely cover the backside of said subject, wherein said backside extends from the back of said subject to the upper part of the thighs and splits at the upper part of the thighs into two parallel lengths which extend along the back of the legs of the subject; and b. a means for affixing said article to said backside of said subject.
 2. The hygienic article of claim 1 wherein said means for affixing said article to the backside of said subject consists of one or more adhesive tabs.
 3. The hygienic article of claim 2 wherein said adhesive tabs is composed of hypoallergenic material.
 4. The hygienic article of claim 1 wherein said surface which comes in contact with said contaminated surface is composed of non-absorbent material.
 5. The hygienic article of claim 4 wherein said non-absorbent material is water repellant.
 6. (canceled) 